Cryptids are creatures that are thought to exist, but there is no scientific evidence to support their existence. I was always fascinated by the mysterious and unknown as a child, which led me to investigate cryptids. Though I didn't realize it at the time, this adventure would change my life in more ways than one.
It all started with my interest in mythology and folklore. My interest was piqued when I heard stories about monsters from faraway lands or sea creatures as old as time itself. I had a feeling there was something more out there! This was gold in a child's fantasy.
My initial cryptid research led me down a rabbit hole of paranormal theories, urban legends, and even ancient mysteries. It felt like a hidden world that no one knew about - until now! With each new discovery, new questions and intrigue arose; the thrill of discovering something previously unknown drew me deeper and deeper into this enthralling realm.
I had discovered an entirely new way of viewing the world around me, as well as further developing my critical thinking skills by asking difficult questions and seeking answers wherever they might lead. That same curiosity drives me now, whether I'm learning about cryptids or dabbling in other fields of science or philosophy. Because of my early fascination with these mythical beings, I have developed a genuine desire to not only discover what lies beyond our current understanding, but also to pursue knowledge wherever it may lead me.
What was once my own personal fascination later ballooned into a wealth of resources when I got online around the end of the 90s. Well, keeping with that tradition I decided to make that a corner stone of my writing on this blog (at least when I started it years ago). But today starts a new feature of my site: Uncovering Mysterious Legends and Lore This first entry will be a way for you to dip your toes into a fun and interesting hobby. I will only focus on two of the most known cryptids: Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, but I will revisit them later in more detail.
When Curiosity Led Me to the World of Cryptids
Cryptids, the enigmatic creatures of folklore and legend, have long piqued the public's interest. Cryptids, from Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster, have long been a part of popular culture. These supernatural creatures and the stories they inspire have always piqued my interest. In this post, I'll look at some of history's most famous cryptids and discuss why their mystery has lasted so long.
Whatever the reason, it appears certain that stories about cryptids will continue to captivate us for years to come, offering us glimpses into mysterious worlds full of possibilities and wonderment beyond what our own eyes can see.
Bigfoot: The Most Famous Cryptid
A Introductory Look at the Mystery of Bigfoot
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, it appears that public interest in Bigfoot is growing. People have been searching for evidence of the existence of one of the world's most famous cryptids, Bigfoot, for decades. Sightings have been reported from all over North America, but no solid evidence has ever been found. Despite this, there are those who are dedicated to researching and disseminating information about this creature.
Bigfoot is typically described as a large ape-like bipedal creature that stands 6-10 feet tall and weighs 500-1000 pounds. It also has very distinguishing characteristics such as large eyes, long arms, and a strong stench, all of which have been noted by witnesses. Sightings are still being reported today, with some claiming to have seen one in the woods or even their own backyard.
While many people believe Bigfoot exists, others are skeptical due to a lack of solid evidence presented over time. Skeptics frequently point out that sightings can be easily fabricated or dismissed as misidentifications of more common animals such as bears, moose, or elk. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Bigfoot's existence, organizations such as The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) have been formed to investigate claims and promote evidence of Bigfoot's existence.
Public interest in Bigfoot does not appear to be waning anytime soon — books, TV shows, and films about this enigmatic creature continue to be produced on a regular basis for those who are enthralled by its legend. Whether or not this elusive creature actually exists will never be proven; until then, people will continue to look for evidence of its existence in the hopes of uncovering the truth behind one of our planet's greatest mysteries.
The Loch Ness Monster: Myth or Reality?
Exploring the Mystery of Scotland's Most Famous Cryptid – Nessie!
For centuries, cryptids such as Bigfoot in North America and Yowie in Australia have piqued people's interest and sparked speculation. The Loch Ness Monster (or Nessie) is one such creature that lurks within Scotland's famous lake of the same name.
Reports of a strange beast living in the depths of Loch Ness first surfaced in 565 AD, when Saint Columba famously came across it while traveling through Scotland. During this encounter, Columba ordered the monster to "return with all speed," and it did so without harm. However, after a London newspaper published an article about a strange creature spotted near the lake in 1933, modern interest in Nessie was reignited. This sparked a wave of speculation and curiosity about what lies beneath its murky surface, leading to a slew of expeditions and investigations over the years in an attempt to find proof of its existence.
Despite all efforts, no conclusive evidence confirming or denying the reported sightings has been found. While some believe that something lives in the waters of Loch Ness, others disagree, citing a lack of physical evidence and implausible biological explanations. Many people remain hopeful that we will one day get definitive answers about this legendary monster.
Why Does Cryptozoology Capture Our Attention?
Finally, it's possible that cryptozoology can help us reconnect with our inner sense of wonder and curiosity.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence that these creatures exist, cryptozoology has long been a source of fascination for many people. People are drawn in by the mystery surrounding them, which allows them to explore the unknown both physically and metaphysically. Cryptids could provide insight into something larger than ourselves, from remote forests and the depths of the ocean to ancient mythology and religion. It could also be argued that they appeal to our own sense of wonder, encouraging us to use our natural curiosity to imagine what lies beyond the known world.
Whatever their purpose, one thing is certain: cryptozoology continues to hold our attention like few other topics.
I guess it is time for an update. As you know, my sister is getting married (again) and I have been asked to be her maid-of-honor. Today I think I will reflect on my maid-of-honor duties which have been to some various degrees has been more than I expected and less. It's complicated (you have to read the other post for more), my sister's wedding has been one of several de javus, to explain that would mean to know here history saying "I Do." But I sincerely hope that this is the last time she will have to walk down the aisle to find happiness.
As I write this, my sister’s wedding day is getting closer and closer. We’ve spent the past few months coming up with ideas for decorations, dresses, dishes, music – you name it! It wasn't until after we struck on the eucalyptus color scheme that it all started coming together. She was determined to celebrate the wedding outside and as you know, spring showers bring May flowers. Anything can happen at that time of year, so I suggested that we find a venue that offers a reception, as well as a place to celebrate the wedding ceremony in the event of weather. After many long hours of hard work, planning, and decision-making (which she is notoriously bad at), things are starting to feel more relaxed. It’s nice to see that all our efforts are slowly but surely paying off.
Reflecting on the past few months has served as a special reminder of everything we've been through together. As maid of honor for my beloved sister, I had the honor of assisting her in planning her wedding day, and it has been a meaningful journey every step of the way.
I had the honor of assisting her in finding the perfect wedding gown and then the fun task of finding special favors for her guests from the start. As the big day approaches, I've been helping with last-minute preparations. I've been grateful, though I think that, while I have teased her, to be by my sister's side every step of the way throughout the entire process has been rewarding. She wasn't even out of college when she first got married; that surely contributed to the breakup then, now she is older, she has matured, and gotten calmer. Things that all contribute to making a wedding a success.
When she asked me to be her maid-of-honor, I was honestly a little shocked. Yet, there are no words to express how much joy and blessing it has been to be a part of my sister's wedding journey. My role as her maid-of-honor was an unforgettable experience-one that I will never forget-and yet it has served as a reminder of the special bond we share as sisters, and I am grateful to have been a part of her special day. While she can be annoying, so can I, that doesn't mean that we don't have a special bond.
The significance of this moment has not gone unnoticed; both my sister and I are aware of how significant it is. She will finally be able to marry her Mr. Right and celebrate with family and friends; in the meantime, I will be able to witness the entire event firsthand and bask in all of the joy, drama, and frustration that surrounds these special moments.
Overall, these past few months—hard it's to believe it's been nearly half a year—have been filled with memories that neither of us will ever forget. As we prepare for this special occasion, I am filled with excitement for what is to come!
Have you ever started something and then stopped in the middle, only to return days, weeks, or even years later to finish it? Many of us are guilty of this; in fact, many of my recent posts have been sitting in my drafts for years, awaiting completion. While some may see this as procrastination and a lack of motivation, I prefer to see it as a deliberate decision to take the time necessary to ensure that whatever is created is done correctly.
Drafts are a fantastic source of creative potential because they allow us to work through ideas without feeling rushed or under pressure. They provide a safe environment for exploring and experimenting with various elements without fear of judgment or failure. When we return to a draft after a long break, we can look at it with fresh eyes, allowing us to make more objective decisions about what works and what could be improved. Leaving ourselves explicit space for reflection can help us find solutions we would not have considered otherwise.
Writing is an art form that necessitates practice and skill. The more we engage in it, as with any artistic endeavor, the better our skills become. While it may be tempting to share our ideas right away, taking the time to draft them allows us to grow and improve.
Drafts allow us to express our ideas in their purest form. Rather than immediately sharing them with others, we can refine and evolve our content by giving ourselves time - whether months or minutes. We can identify errors or weaknesses and work to improve them, allowing us to develop stronger writing skills overall.
Drafting is similar to sketching outlines before painting in broad strokes in many ways. It's an important step because it influences how we express our thoughts and feelings. When you're passionate about what you've written down on paper, it's a relief to know that your goal was met accurately without oversimplifying your message.
By making time for drafts, you give yourself the opportunity to grow as a writer and thinker, which will lead to more meaningful conversations with those around you. Drafting is essential for fine-tuning one's words so that they communicate exactly what you mean — no more, no less. Doing so consistently not only shows others that you understand where their point of view fits into the conversation, but it also demonstrates your dedication to honing your craft as a writer.
So, when putting ideas together, remember to allow time for drafts! Drafting provides us with an invaluable opportunity for development that should never be overlooked.
Using Drafts to Increase the Effectiveness of Creative Projects
Drafts are a fantastic tool for any type of creative project. Drafts can help you explore ideas more effectively and confidently, whether you're writing a blog post, reporting on current events, or crafting your magnum opus novel. Drafts provide a space to try out different concepts without fear of judgment or criticism by allowing free-flowing experimentation and brainstorming with no boundaries.
In essence, take the pressure off of creative endeavors. The draft isn't supposed to be perfect; it's just a starting point for exploration and development. It's like having an infinite page where writers can freely experiment with new ideas and decide what stays and what goes. As a result, it's an excellent way to plan ahead without becoming stuck in one direction or worrying about creating something that isn't quite right yet.
Also, when used properly, they can mean the difference between a good project and one that truly shines. Drafts allow us to take our time refining our pieces and making sure they're just right before submitting them for review by allowing us to work through material slowly but steadily over time — rather than rushing through revisions. This ensures that we've put our best foot forward and that we can present work that truly reflects our vision while also meeting all external expectations.
Drafting should be part of every creative process because it allows us to think differently about how we want to craft stories or develop essays; this, in turn, allows us to create content that feels original and unique rather than feeling like an obligatory task or simply following what has been done before. So don't be afraid to use your drafts; they could end up being your secret weapon! Drafts are available for us to use whenever we need them; unlock their potential today!
I got married in 2017, so I am going on my fifth year anniversary which means, yeah! But there is another wedding coming up on the horizon. And as you recall there were some reservations about the style we wanted. Being more the hands-on outdoorsy type the wedding we held reflected that-nature, some of the people on Insta called it rustic back then, but I am not sure that really fit. I am that way, square peg in a round hole, or whatever. I wanted simple, affordable, and fun. You can actually have all three.
As you know my sister got married in '97, that lasted until around '00, at which time they separated. Then a few years after that she got fully divorced. Her first wedding cost our father close to $15,000, he half joked that he had to go into debt, the truth was that he actually did. Money wasted in my opinion. When she found Mr. Right 2.0 it was different, she paid for it all herself, less extravagant than the first, but still costly. They got divorced at the start of the pandemic. I think that that was the final nail in a shaky coffin. Now she is taking her third trip down the aisle soon. She and my BiL had their first child was born at the end of last year. My sister would be married for twenty years this coming Fall.
She and her fiancee are playing for the wedding together, they both earn enough, but they have both been married before so they want it small and intimate. My sister doesn't do affordable very well, but it will likely cost less than her last one.
Now I am being asked to be the maid-of-honor. Something that I have done for friends before, but never for my sister.
At first I was skeptical, but then the idea grew on my, a little bit at least. Planning a wedding is hard enough as it is, but planning one with your siblings can be even more challenging.
So if you ask me where I am now, my sister and I are in the process of planning her dream eucalyptus-themed wedding, and there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. I posted last week that she wasn't really sure what she wanted. And that it true to this day, but eucalyptus seems to be the hot trend now and that is what she wants.
The invitations for the wedding were really the thing that added the much needed corner stone for the theme. I understand that as the maid-of-honor for my sister’s wedding, I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders (though I think it should be less since this is the third time). When we set out to find the right-for lack of a better word,something-for her wedding the outlook was bleak, she loves everything that is luxurious, expensive, and dare I say shiny. At some point it became clear that we weren't going to get very far so I suggested that we set things in motion by choosing the wedding invitations. The date was set for sometime so we could get them anytime we wanted. I hoped that they would speak to her when she found the perfect eucalyptus-themed invitations that would set the tone of her special day. After hours of searching and comparing dozens (or hundreds, I lost count) of options, we finally landed on a design that was perfect.
I knew that she wanted the invitation to be elegant yet simple. Then we found one with classic shades of green which were featured the eucalyptus in the design gave it eye-catching charm with out being overwhelming. To add texture and depth to the invitation, we-alright, the designer-choose to incorporate various shades of green mixed with hints of grays and blues to give it an earthy feel. In addition to showcasing my sister’s love for nature, these colors also served as an ode to her favorite color – blue!
The final product was absolutely stunning. Though I was told that I was not allowed to share her invitation under any circumstances, I managed to find a similar invitation, which I am allowed to share. As you can see with its classic fonts and intricate details like die cuts and raised ink, each invitation is truly one-of-a-kind. My sister was overjoyed at the finished product – she couldn’t wait to send them out and start planning her big day!
It took me quite some time to find the perfect invites, but when I finally did it was all worth it! Not only did my sister get exactly what she wanted, it allowed her to start making plans for the rest of the wedding as well. Also, I would be lying if I said that I didn't get to have a fun project that made me feel like we were moving forward with wedding planning process!
Speaking of which, here’s what we’re doing to make it all come together!
Our Venue: A Sisterly Struggle
You are tasked with finding the ideal venue for the celebration as part of the wedding planning process. We had conflicting ideas about where the ceremony should be held for her eucalyptus-themed wedding: she wanted an outdoor setting (something she hadn't had before, but absolutely wanted), while I preferred something inside due to potential weather issues.
We debated the advantages and disadvantages of both options before settling on a venue that provided both. We could hold the ceremony outside to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, but we could also move the event inside if the weather turned bad. This option provided us with the best of both worlds, allowing us to have our dream eucalyptus-themed wedding.
Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but my sister and I were able to find a solution that worked for us thanks to a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options. We both agreed that this was the best way to ensure that we could celebrate her special day without being concerned about the possibility of inclement weather. Based on the time of year they are celebrating, this is most likely.
Finally, we were able to locate the ideal location for my sister's eucalyptus-themed wedding. We were able to create a beautiful and memorable wedding experience with the help of our venue, which we will both remember for years to come.
Our Decor: Creating a Cohesive Look
When my sister announced that she would be walking down the aisle for the third time, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the wedding would be nothing short of spectacular. As the maid of honor, it was my responsibility to select accessories for the wedding that would unify the theme. We were drawn to the idea of a eucalyptus-themed wedding after finding the perfect invitation.
We'll use eucalyptus garlands to decorate the chairs at the ceremony and to make bouquets for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Eucalyptus will also be used in the centerpieces at each table during the reception.
We were able to create a cohesive look that tied all of the elements together by using eucalyptus throughout the wedding. It's a really lovely color.
Food & Drink: Food (Not Really) Fit for a Koala
With the eucalyptus-themed wedding, we have been busy selecting the food and drinks to be served at the reception. Deciding what to serve was a challenge, but in the end we compromised and chose a combination of traditional favorites like steak and chicken, as well as some unique dishes like stuffed mushrooms and roasted vegetables. She
My sister wanted her favorite wine served at every table, while I suggested having some specialty cocktails in addition to beer and wine options. To meet in the middle, we decided on having three signature cocktails themed after eucalyptus. They are sure to be a hit with everyone in attendance and will add to the special atmosphere of the wedding.
We're certain her guests will have a wonderful time enjoying the delicacies and drinks at the eucalyptus-themed wedding.
Overall, everything is coming together for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. To be honest, planning her dream wedding has been an incredible experience so far – full of laughter, tears and lots of compromises (oddly enough most of them have been mine)! We can’t wait until this all comes together in just over two months from now! While I know that this isn't the main focus on my site, that being cryptids, if you have any thoughts or advice regarding her eucalyptus-themed wedding plans (or if you have any tips from your own experiences!) then please let me know – I would love to hear them!
SO it became official a while ago, but I wasn't really sure that I wanted to share it on the site, since the topic clashes a little bit with the direction I am planning on taking it in now. But being the maid-of-honor for my sister's third wedding has been a challenging experience thus far. From the start, my sister was blissfully indecisive about every aspect of her wedding, she likes it luxurious and extravagant, ut she and my BiL will be going into this a little more sane than she did her first one which as I have shared before cost my dad a sizable sum.
As it stands we have made some headway, at least in the form of the wedding color scheme, she is thinking green, maybe a little blue, her two favorite colors, after black of course but her first one was a strictly black tie event. In all seriousness though, from the venue to the dress, my sister can't seem to make a decision to save her life. Despite the initial difficulty, it has been, hum, a joy to help my sister plan her special day.
The wedding dress was the first challenge we faced. My sister wanted a beautiful form fitting gown, something unique and feminine with a bit of sparkle. This was more challanging than it sounds since she just gave birth to their first child, and she was really critical. After trying on dozens of dresses, she finally found the one that made her feel beautiful. She chose a white satin dress with lace and beading detail, they all sort of look like that I know, but she was happy.
The hardest part of planning my sister's wedding was trying to please everyone, BiL has been a dream, he just wants her to be happy, but his mother has been another story. With her being married for the third time, there were a lot of opinions about the wedding. Yet, she still feels the need to make sure everyone was happy with the decisions we have made thus far. In the end, we will manage to get it done, but I wish she would be a little more decisive when it comes to the whole thing.
To be completely honset it has been stressful. But I am proud and honored to have been chosen as my sister's maid-of-honor. This is actually the first time I have done it for her. And of course I wish her all the best for her future, so making sure everything is perfect is a major priority for me as well. I want to look back at my sister's wedding and see it for what it was a beautiful event that I was happy to have been a part of. Despite the challenges of indecisiveness and conflicting opinions, we will hopefully be able to plan an intimate and memorable event that will also be her true happily ever after.
When this is all said and done I will be glad to go back to Bigfoot and company. :)
Coming back to write for my blog after such an extended hiatus is both exciting and daunting. Things have been so busy the last years, as you yourself surely knows, and I really don't want to make those sad years into a topic today. But I guess my topic will, actually be just that in a round about way. "I'm back" and with that Welcome Back!
Today I am going to be writing about two things, the first one is picking up the digital pen again and the other is something that has really become dear to my heart. That will take up the majority of today's time, that is work-life balance. You see the last years have shown me personally that there are more important things in life. Through the imposed family time I realized just how much I was missing out on. But, regardless of that it was hard to achieve a true balance once I returned to work. But enough of that for now.
When I decided it was time to breathe new life into my site I hadn't realized how much time had really gone by, it was intimidating, the few of you who followed my musings surely have left for greener pastures and I contemplated just leaving it all be. But I wanted to write again, I needed to write. So I chose to go ahead with my plan. On the one hand, you're eager to get back into writing, to channel your creativity and create something new. On the other hand, restarting after such a long break can be intimidating. If this sounds familiar, don't worry; there are plenty of things you can do to ease your return to blogging.
I read up on getting back into the flow when I decided it was time. As it seems, this is actually a pretty come thing. So today I will share a bit of that with you to maybe encourage your to stretch your fingers and share your thoughts.
First and foremost, spend some time reconnecting with your audience. They may have grown or changed since the last time you posted, depending on how long you've been gone. Before you begin writing your next post, make sure you understand who they are now and what type of content would be most appealing to them. Once you've determined who is reading your blog, create content that speaks to their interests and needs. This will help ensure that your post resonates with them and that you don't miss out on engagement opportunities when you return from the break.
Consider spending some time re-familiarizing yourself with whatever blogging platform or CMS you use if you haven't logged in in a while (like me)! I use one called Bludit which my BiL suggested because it is easy to use and the learning curve it really not that steep to begin with. Whichever one you are using it is time to refresh your memory on any changes or new features so that everything feels more at ease when you start working. Actually I just opened up a new post and started typing, but I was always the type of person to jump right in.
Finally, try not to be too concerned with posting perfect content right away; instead, focus on having fun creating something new! Writing is a creative process that takes practice to master, so don't expect instant gratification when returning after a long absence. It may take some time for things to click again, but they will - just keep at it and good luck!
The Work/Life Balancing Act
To be completely honest, this post, the one that you are reading right now, was going to be my first contribution to the site after almost two years, but that felt somehow wrong. Like I was cheating myself a little bit. I needed to ease into the process, have some fun, and just get a feel for it. Then I realized that they shared very much the same topic with one another and I decided to just go with it. Both are about how life has a way of changing even the best plans (I'm big on planning). And in our hectic lives, finding quality time to spend together as a family is becoming increasingly difficult. With longer working hours and more distractions, it can be difficult for families to connect. We all understand how important it is to prioritize our families, but having a successful professional life may require you to sacrifice some of your family time.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of achieving work-life balance:
Pros:
- Flexible work hours: Many employers now provide flexible work schedules so that employees can easily adjust their work commitments to accommodate family activities.
- More quality time spent with family: Balancing your professional and personal lives will allow you to make the most of the time you spend together.
- Better physical and mental health: Taking frequent breaks from work can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Increased work productivity: When you spend more quality time with your family, you'll have more energy to devote to work tasks and projects.
Cons:
- Limited career advancement opportunities: Taking frequent breaks or changing your schedule may limit future career advancement opportunities.
- Increased financial stress: Choosing shorter working hours may result in less money coming in, putting additional strain on other areas of life such as paying bills or taking vacations together.
- Overworking yourself: It is easy to become so caught up in balancing everything that you end up overworking yourself in both personal and professional roles. It's critical not to put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect all of the time!
Finding a good balance between professional success and giving quality time and attention to your family should be viewed as an achievable goal requiring dedication, compromise, and understanding from all parties involved! This is going to be something that I plan to revisit occasionally here going forward. For one, it is something that needs to be reaffirmed in my life from time to time, and on the other hand it is something that we should all at least consider now and then. Are we really as well balanced as we think? Could be do better? I know that I can.